New technology at Whittier City Hall

“AccessWhittier” is a new mobile phone application for iPhone, iPad and Android to help residents report issues on the go and tap into local government around the clock.

A wide variety of issues, such as potholes that need filling, abandoned shopping carts which need to be picked up, graffiti that needs removing, street lights out, and property maintenance issues in your neighborhood, can now be reported using iPhone, iPad or Android smart phones.

Smart phone users simply open the application, select an issue, take a picture, and tap submit – the application identifies the exact location and sends the issue directly to the appropriate city staff member. That staff member then addresses the matter, though in some cases the fix or repair for larger items may need to be added to the city’s work program so it is accomplished as funding is available.

“Our residents told us they also wanted smart phone convenience with the ability to report issues to us whenever or wherever they prefer,” noted Mayor Bob Henderson. “This technology will improve our efficiency, which is very important with our tight budget.”

The GPS and camera features built into the iPhone and Android smart phones make it simple for residents to alert officials about issues around the clock while they’re mobile. Residents will know their issue went to the right person without ever going to an office or sitting down at a computer or making a phone call during business hours, and they can also receive status updates on the issue they report.

This efficiency allows the city to improve customer service with fewer people on staff.

The smart phone applications can be downloaded by searching for “GORequest” in the Apple App store or Google Play store. There is no charge to download the application.

AccessWhittier is also available to Windows phones and other mobile devices by browsing a mobile version of the city web site to access services at http://user.govoutreach.com/whittierca/faq).

The smart phone application joins the city’s new e-Newsletters and public Wi-Fi system as the latest additions in the city’s efforts to enhance communication, transparency, and efficiency. Residents can register to receive one or all of the city’s E-Newsletters, emailed regularly to update the public on city events and issues.

The public wireless network is now active at City Hall and allows wireless access in all public areas to help visitors conduct business at public counters and present information at meetings.

“AccessWhittier is another step in the City Council’s efforts to make local government more transparent and efficient,” Henderson said. “We invite the community to connect with us and report issues they see to keep our community attractive and safe.”

More information about AccessWhittier, e-Newsletters, and public Wi-Fi is available at www.cityofwhittier.org and at the city’s IT Division at (562) 567-9870.

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